4 days ago
Antrim must be ready to meet Wexford challenge head-on: Dominic McEnhill
Andy McEntee's side managed to overcome London (1-22 to 1-14) in the competition and are now firmly focused on extending their progress.
McEntee has watched the side gain in momentum, with their experienced players cementing their value within the side.
In this connection, goalkeeper Mick Byrne, midfielder Conor Stewart and forwards Patrick McBride and Dominic McEnhill are deploying their considerable experience to good effect within the attack.
Ryan Murray and Adam Loughran are other Antrim players who can step up to the mark on Sunday, while Conor Hand can also exert an influence for the Saffrons.
McEnhill in particular has been deploying his creative and scoring prowess of late and is hoping he can help provide the impetus for an Antrim victory.
'There is no doubt that the Tailteann Cup is hugely competitive, but we really want to win this game,' insists the long-serving McEnhill.
'We have been playing with more confidence lately, and this will be a boost for us. It's important that we get into our stride early and impose ourselves on the game if we can.
'The Tailteann Cup is a target for several teams and we know that we have to lift our game for this assignment.
'We are coming into the knock-out stages and this means that the pressure will increase.'
Meanwhile, Armagh 2002 All-Ireland winner Tony McEntee is strongly focused on taking the Sligo side he manages a step closer to claiming the Tailteann Cup when they meet Carlow at Tubbercury tomorrow (2.00pm).
McEntee has watched his side make steady progress but is aware that Carlow could prove something of a surprise package given the quality in their side.
But rather than preoccupy himself with the opposition, McEntee makes no bones about the fact that he wants to see his own side rise to the occasion.
In Cian Lally, Canice Mulligan, Niall Murphy, Pat Spillane and Patrick O'Connor, Sligo boast strong finishers who form the underbelly of their side.
Manager McEntee believes that his side are capable of advancing in the competition but is conscious that Carlow could spring a surprise, particularly should they hit the ground running.
Meanwhile, Justin McNulty, another of Armagh's 2002 all-conquering heroes, will send Laois into battle against Westmeath in the Tailteann Cup on Saturday at Cusack Park, Mullingar (5.00pm).
McNulty is well aware that, as inaugural winners of the trophy Westmeath will be keen to collect it again, and that's why he will be looking for a big performance from his side.
Laois can look to several experienced players to set the tone for their performance, but Westmeath are still hungry for more success.
Indeed, they might well make life difficult for Laois on this occasion.
